“Acidic pH favors the uptake of NO3- while neutral-alkaline pH favors the uptake of NH4+. We will now see how the two ions, which are first-degree relatives, assist each other, specifically how one creates the conditions for the uptake of the other.

Ammonium cations cause the acidification of pH in two ways: through their nitrification in the soil, which produces H+ (two H+ for every NH4+ that is nitrified) and through their rapid conversion in the root to NH3, from which H+ is again produced (one H+ for each ammonium ion) that is excreted into the soil solution via protein pumps.

Thus, NH4+ creates favorable conditions for the uptake of NO3-.

Now the NO3- that is taken up is reduced in the root to NH3, while the OH- produced –one OH- for each NO3- that is reduced– is secreted into the soil solution, increasing its pH and creating the conditions for the uptake of NH4+.”

The authors thoroughly explore the issues of nutrient-fertilization of cultivated plants that they have decided to tackle, some of which have a fragmented presence in the Greek literature.

We also emphasize that the often “informal” character of scientific written discourse that they have adopted provides the reader, in addition to the knowledge itself, with immediate enjoyment of it.

Happy studying

Embryo Publishing